I get the sense the author is complaining that "pirate" is also tied with a single issue viewpoint, i.e. copyright and free culture, which isn't enough to form a long-term political party.
I do not know enough to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the PP. What I read of Julia Reda's report on changes to copyright in the EU makes good sense, and would consider that a PP success should it go through.
BTW, and personally, I dislike people who appeal to the 'bigger picture'. I consider it a form of belittlement in the same vein as "wake up sheeple', though admittedly rather milder.
Peter seems frustrated because he actually has ideals. But the way TPB was presented gathered a mass of followers who's mentality is "I should get my movies and music for free because, uh... because what he said!"
It always seemed to me that few were ever in it for the cause. Most just wanted free shit. I had figured Peter and TPB knew this all along, but maybe not?
"Labels are like teeth; modern man has more than he needs."
-me
I believe Peter is becoming an Abolitionist. It sounds like he is finally seeing the forest for the trees. Which is good, as niche is ultimately limiting.
As far as I observed the Pirates in Germany - they basically trolled themselves to death ... they acted disrespectful against each other - regularly crossing the border of misogyny and cyber bullying. Most of them seemed to be just angry and frustrated nerds with severe lack of social skills. Those not falling into that category - f.x. Marina Weisband - sooner or later left the party.
Pirate parties started spending more time focusing on LGBT and immigration rights than IP reform and transparency. Also was not pleased with Sunde's denigration of Lars Vilks regarding free speech.